David Jonsson cast as Black Panther for third film in franchise

David Jonsson cast as Black Panther for third film in franchise

Marvel Studios has officially announced that British actor David Jonsson will take over the mantle of the Black Panther in the upcoming Black Panther 3. The reveal took place on July 25, 2026, during the studio's star-studded Hall H presentation at San Diego Comic-Con.

Jonsson, 32, will portray Prince T’Challa II, also known as Toussaint. The character is the son of the original King T’Challa and Nakia, and was first introduced as a child at the conclusion of the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Director Ryan Coogler, who will return to helm the third installment, explained that the new narrative will focus on the character as he grows up, he comes of age.

The casting follows years of speculation regarding how the franchise would proceed after the death of Chadwick Boseman on August 28, 2020, at age 43 due to colon cancer. Boseman first appeared as the character in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War before leading the 2018 Black Panther, a film that became a cultural milestone for Black representation in Hollywood and grossed $1.3 billion. Following Boseman's passing, the studio opted against recasting his specific role; instead, the 2022 sequel focused on the nation of Wakanda's grief and saw the character's sister, Shuri, take up the mantle.

During the panel, Jonsson appeared on stage with Coogler, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, and returning cast members Letitia Wright (Shuri) and Winston Duke (M’Baku). A visibly moved Jonsson expressed gratitude to the amazing family he is joining, though he noted, I don't want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking.

Jonsson is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and brings a diverse Creole heritage with roots in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, the Caribbean, and Sweden. He is known for his work in the BBC and HBO series Industry, the 2023 film Rye Lane, and the 2024 sci-fi thriller Alien: Romulus. His recent work includes the 2025 prison drama Wasteman, for which he won a BAFTA Rising Star award, and the 2025 adaptation of The Long Walk.

The third film is scheduled to hit theaters on December 15, 2028. To enhance the immersive cinematic experience, Coogler intends to shoot the film on 70mm film. While specific plot details remain secret, the production will include Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington. Washington previously revealed in 2024 that Coogler was writing a part for him, a fact Coogler confirmed in 2025.

The Black Panther 3 news was part of a wider Marvel presentation that included several other major updates:

• The announcement of a Ghost Rider standalone feature starring Ryan Gosling as Johnny Blaze, directed by Shawn Levy and slated for 2028.
• A new trailer for Avengers: Doomsday, which is set for release in December.
• Appearances by Avengers: Doomsday stars including Robert Downey Jr. (who will play Victor Von Doom), Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, and Simu Liu.
• Confirmation that Hayley Atwell will return as Peggy Carter.

The new film is expected to begin production after Marvel completes its current wave of projects, forming part of the studio's post-Secret Wars slate.